Fine Art Family Photography Stories & Resources

little girl in a vintage dress hugging a pony in an orchard outside of Philadelphia for a sweet moment

A journal for families seeking timeless portraits across South Jersey, Philadelphia, and the surrounding region.

This journal shares fine-art family photography stories, session inspiration, and location guides for families throughout South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area. Each post is designed to help parents plan meaningful portrait experiences while exploring the artistry behind Shooting Star Photography’s heirloom approach.

South Jersey's Premiere Photographer for Maternity Photography

Why is it important to capture your pregnancy with a professional photographer?

Pregnancy is that time to reflect upon what is to come and to expect. It's frightening, it's exciting and often times bittersweet. They often-say that life doesn't begin until you have children. I can attest, it's true. I feel like my life had no meaning until I had my two. They are my whole entire world. All I could ever ask for. The amount of joy children bring into your life, it's otherworldly and there's nothing I wouldn't do for them.

Starting a family is sometimes everyone's ultimate dream in life and yes... it is scary, but there is nothing like bringing another human being into this world. Seeing those little feet and hands looking right up at you. There will be long nights of feeding and cuddling... and the lovely changing of those stinky diapers, but it's motherhood. It's a rite of passage, for a lot of men and women. It's something to be a part of and parenthood does get easier. I promise.

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Mama in the ocean at sunset.

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Just a girl and her husband... with her horse.

Pregnancy is that time to reflect upon what is to come and to expect. It's frightening, it's exciting and often times bittersweet. They often-say that life doesn't begin until you have children. I can attest, it's true. I feel like my life had no meaning until I had my two. They are my whole entire world. All I could ever ask for. The amount of joy children bring into your life, it's otherworldly and there's nothing I wouldn't do for them.

Why is it important to capture your pregnancy with a professional photographer?

Capturing pregnancy with a maternity photographer can be a wonderful way to document this special time in your life. Here are some reasons why:

  1. Memories: Pregnancy is a unique and fleeting time in a person's life, and capturing it with a professional photographer can provide a tangible memory that you can look back on for years to come. You can share these images with your child as they grow up, or simply enjoy them as a reminder of this special time in your life.

  2. Artistic expression: Maternity photography can be a beautiful and artistic way to capture the natural beauty of pregnancy. A skilled photographer can create stunning images that showcase the beauty and magic of this time.

  3. Bonding experience: Having a professional photographer take pictures of you and your partner during this time can be a bonding experience. It allows you to focus on your love for each other and the baby you are bringing into the world.

  4. Empowerment: Pregnancy can be a time of physical and emotional changes, and capturing images of yourself can be an empowering experience. It allows you to see yourself in a positive light and celebrate the changes happening to your body.

  5. Celebration: Pregnancy is an incredible journey, and capturing it with a maternity photographer is a celebration of that journey. It allows you to acknowledge and honor this incredible experience.

In summary, capturing pregnancy with a maternity photographer can provide lasting memories, artistic expression, a bonding experience, empowerment, and celebration of this special time in your life.

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Kisses and love.. is what it is all about!

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Beautiful capture taken in Hammonton, New Jersey.

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A true snow princess. Capture at Smithville in Mt. Holly/Eastampton, New Jersey.

Maternity sessions aren't just photography to me and just another paying client. They are MEMORIES. There's nothing more special than then being "allowed" to capture this time in your life. It's a true honor to be chosen to be hired for this important time.

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Mama and her first baby in images. With one on the way in Philadelphia.

Pregnancy can mean the beginning of a new stage in a woman’s life. Let Shooting Star Photography capture this important time in your life. We have hundreds of locations at your disposal.

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

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Winter Maternity Sessions!

Maternity Photography-Did you know... that maternity is one of our favorites to shoot? Both my assistant and I (mom, theeee best assistant, ever) truly love it. It is our FAVORITO. Why do we love it so much? Well, it is because it is an exciting new chapter in a couple's life. It's usually a life changing event, once your little bundle joy arrives. Tremendous emotions... everything from fear, to love, to anticipation comes to the surface. I know for me..

Tt was terrifying.. that you are actually responsible for another human being.. when sometimes you can't even take care of yourself.. and trying to keep it together, am I right? This time is a wonderful time to capture that belly bump silhouette. I know with my children, they enjoy seeing me huge, but seeing the belly they were once inside. This is also a wonderful time for the bubbies.

Winter Wonderland Maternity Session: Embracing the Magic of the Season

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Winter maternity magic in New Jersey.


The beauty of winter is not solely confined to the glistening snowflakes and frost-covered landscapes—it extends to the tender moments of a winter maternity session. At Shooting Star Photography LLC, we understand the unique charm and ethereal ambiance that a winter backdrop offers for capturing the radiance and anticipation of a soon-to-be mother.


A winter maternity session provides an opportunity to embrace the magic of the season while celebrating the incredible journey of pregnancy. Imagine standing amidst a snow-covered forest, the air crisp and invigorating, while capturing moments that convey the overwhelming joy and love that surrounds the expectant parents.
The snow-covered landscapes serve as a blanket of serenity, creating a picturesque setting that enhances the natural glow of the mother-to-be. The contrast between the soft white snow and the vibrant colors of a maternity gown or a cozy sweater adds a level of warmth and intimacy to the images.


To make the winter maternity session truly enchanting, Shooting Star Photography LLC works closely with our clients to create a vision that reflects their uniqueness and captures the essence of their journey. Whether it's an outdoor session, with the golden glow of a winter sunset as a backdrop, or an indoor session with the warmth of a crackling fireplace, we strive to create an atmosphere that is as magical as the love that is growing within.


The beauty of a winter maternity session lies not only in the visually stunning images but also in the emotional connection that is formed. As the snowflakes gently fall, the expectant couple can't help but snuggle closer, creating an intimate and heartfelt bond that is immortalized in the photographs.


To ensure the comfort and safety of our clients, Shooting Star Photography LLC provides various options to accommodate the winter conditions. From cozy blankets and warm wraps to tips on dressing appropriately for the cold weather, we go above and beyond to make the experience enjoyable and memorable.


A winter maternity session goes beyond capturing beautiful photographs—it narrates a story of love, anticipation, and the unbreakable bond between parents and their unborn child. The cozy winter sweaters, the tender touches in the falling snow, and the contagious excitement in the air all contribute to creating treasured memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.


As we embark on this winter season, Shooting Star Photography LLC invites expectant parents to embrace the magic of a winter maternity session. Let us capture the beauty and sentimentality of this remarkable time, ensuring that these moments are preserved and shared with loved ones for generations to come.


Contact Shooting Star Photography LLC today to book your winter maternity session, and let us create a timeless collection of images that truly capture the essence of this special chapter in your life.

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A magical winter session in Shooting Star Photography.

Did you know... that maternity is one of our favorites to shoot? Both my assistant and I (mom, theeee best assistant, ever) truly love it. It is our FAVORITO. Why do we love it so much? Well, it is because it is an exciting new chapter in a couple's life. It's usually a life changing event, once your little bundle joy arrives. Tremendous emotions... everything from fear, to love, to anticipation comes to the surface. I know for me.. it was terrifying.. that you are actually responsible for another human being.. when sometimes you can't even take care of yourself.. and trying to keep it together, am I right? This time is a wonderful time to capture that belly bump silhouette. I know with my children, they enjoy seeing me huge, but seeing the belly they were once inside. This is also a wonderful time for the bubbies.

Those babies get nice and big! Hahahaha!I love maternity.

We have a ton of gowns. All different colors. It's important that dad and kids are involved. Although, it is mostly about you and the bump-a-roo! Our goal is to capture you in a dreamy/ very best light to show off your bump. Our favorite time of year is winter.  It is the best time of light and the best time to shoot maternity sessions. As come spring and those warmer months, you are preparing for the bambino/bambina!   

We know this is a tough time getting around. You can't see your feet anymore, your feet and ankles start to swell... and you feel HUGE!!! But.. I can't tell you how this is an important event to capture and look back on. Once the baby is here, it's go go go. It's nice to do something for yourself and especially great to document this new chapter in your life. Almost as important, as your own wedding day. Moments to look back on. As you get older, time just flies. You have a one year old one moment. and before you know it, they are heading off to college.

Photographs are sometimes all you have, when someone passes.. or for memories. Let us help you capture this bumpalicious time. We will help you get up... and help you move around, hahahaha. We know the struggle is real, but trust me, it's all worth it. These munchkins will be the best thing that ever happened to you! Contact us today to make it happen! Happy Shooting, my friends! Dee

Shooting Star Photography

Philadelphia's premiere maternity photographer  

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Grandpa and me...

Every single session we do for our clients is truly unique. Not one photograph will look the same because we truly love making every single photograph a true keepsake and piece of art.It's honestly what we we trained to do in this business. As I reflect back on this 2018 year, I have to say it was the hardest year of my life. As I look back, I almost lost my mother, who is my assistant.. She was hospitalized for over a month. It was a nightmare during this time. We thought she may not make it and that she may no longer be with us. She's a huge asset to this photography business. She's the best assistant I could ever ask for and am grateful for everything she does. I am so elated she is still here with us and recovered fully. About 10 days after my mom came home, it was my husband's turn. He had flu-like symptoms and his condition got worse and worse. He was then hospitalized. The doctors were baffled as to what was happening. Every specialist they had on hand, he saw. His condition got worse and worse to the point where we almost lost him. He lost all bodily functioning, he lost his ability to walk. It was a very scary time. They put him on every antibiotic known to man. It was within two weeks, he started to finally show some life again and slowly got better. He was later transferred to an inpatient subacute rehabilitation center to learn how to walk all over again. It was later found out by infectious disease that what he caught, only effects about 2,000 patients a year with about a 60% mortality rate. He's lucky to be here. When I look back on the year, I see myself. I see how strong I was. As a wife, daughter, mother.. and I honestly don't know how I got through it all. I kept every single photography session that I had scheduled.  I did not cancel on anyone. In fact, the sessions were very therapeutic for me as I was going through this. It's true how art can soothe the soul. There were some delays on editing galleries, but very understandable in the situation and I did inform customers of the situation. Under normal circumstances, most folks would be able to take a leave of absence from their jobs. However, as a single business owner, I unfortunately was unable to do that. I just trucked through.  I realized how strong I really am and how I kept it together. I know most folks would crumble. I just feel fortunate to have both the folks I love dearly still here with me. In any event... as I look back and everything I went through. I realize how very important photographs are. I made a point to get myself photographed with my children this past fall.. as I didn't have any. I also made an appointment with a photographer I admire for 2019 and I plan to make an appointment with another one as well. It's very important. This is why I am sharing this... This is grandpa. He doesn't live in the US (hopefully, soon though) and I told my customer it was important to bring her father so that he could be in some images. This will be a keepsake for the family for years to come to remember. Our children get older every day and the folks that we love.. we continue to lose, year after year. Time does not stand still. This is why it's important to capture these moments. I truly hope this mama got this blown up and proudly displayed in the house. It's beautiful.south jersey photographer, grandpa and me session, family photographers new jersey, jersey shore photographers Get those photographs folks. Capture these precious moments. One day you may not have your loved ones with you.. and all you have left are these. This is why I love what I do and why I got into photography in the first place. If you would like to book your family session, please reach out. We would love to customize something special for you!!! Happy Shooting, my friends!!!! Dee Shooting Star Photography

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Another Beautiful Maternity Session!

Top Two Reasons to Have a Maternity Portrait with Your Kids

As professional photographers, we highly recommend capturing maternity portraits that include your kids. This place we did on Broad Street in Philadelphia. However, this is a delightful opportunity to not only document this special phase of your life but also create everlasting memories. Here are the top two reasons why you should consider having your maternity portrait with your kids:

Maternity Session on Broad Street in Philadelphia

A serene maternity session unfolded on the bustling Broad Street in Philadelphia, capturing the essence of motherhood amidst the city's energy. The expectant mother, accompanied by her two young children, radiated a timeless beauty and grace against the urban backdrop.

As the photographer expertly framed each shot, the children's joyful spirits added a touch of playfulness to the session. Against the backdrop of iconic city architecture, the family connection shone through, creating an unforgettable tableau of love and anticipation.

The juxtaposition of the maternal glow and the metropolitan pulse of Broad Street lent a unique charm to the photographs, showcasing the beauty of new beginnings against the backdrop of a vibrant cityscape. The images captured during this maternity session serve as a timeless memento of a family immersed in love, set against the dynamic backdrop of Philadelphia's bustling streets.

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Mom and her two children capturing this special moment in their lives. Bringing in another sibling to the mix. Notice how we coordinated their outfits to go together, but did not go matchy matchy.

Maternity Photographer in South Jersey

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Broad Street can offer the perfect location for your maternity session. It’s a great spot to shoot at in Philadelphia.

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Sweet hugs for mom. She just wanted to be held by her mommy.

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Great portrait of mom on Broad Street.

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Isn’t she absolutely stunning?

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One more for the mix!

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I think someone fell behind me… hence the look on her face. She’s a trip!

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Sisters being sisters.

Top Two Reasons to Have a Maternity Portrait with Your Kids

As professional photographers, we highly recommend capturing maternity portraits that include your kids. It is a delightful opportunity to not only document this special phase of your life but also create everlasting memories. This photo shoot we did on Broad Street in Philadelphia. It is a fantastic backdrop for maternity and couture photography. Here are the top two reasons why you should consider having your maternity portrait with your kids:


1. Celebrating the Journey Together: Including your children in your maternity portraits allows them to actively participate in celebrating the arrival of their new sibling. Pregnancy is a significant milestone not only for you but also for your children, as it signifies the growth of your family. By involving them, you are enabling them to share in the joy and anticipation of your expanding household. These portraits will serve as cherished keepsakes, reminding your children of the excitement they felt during this unique period. As they grow older, they can look back on these images and feel a deep sense of connection and love for their siblings.


2. Siblings Bonding and Connection: Maternity portraits with your kids offer a wonderful opportunity for them to connect with their unborn sibling. During the photo session, they can touch your belly, interact with the baby, and even share special moments of love and tenderness. This experience allows siblings to forge a bond early on, creating a foundation of affection and care that will continue to grow as they grow older together. Maternity portraits featuring siblings provide a visual representation of this connection, capturing their relationship at its beginning stages.
At Shooting Star Photography, we recognize the importance of family dynamics and the role siblings play in shaping each other's lives. By having your maternity portrait with your kids, you are not only preserving precious memories but also celebrating the joy and love that your growing family embodies. Let us help you capture these beautiful moments, ensuring that they remain cherished for generations to come.

 Have I told you I love maternity photography? I tend to shout this from the rooftops... all the time! If I could do maternity photography every single day.. I honestly would be happy and content in my career. Seriously, this is one of my favorite times to capture in life. This is the time where our bodies are changing and we tend to feel pretty awful at the end. I felt like a whale and never got them done, but I do wish I did. I want women to feel beautiful.

This is my goal with every session. I want those insecurities to not even be a second thought. I love including the family in this special time to be a part of the celebration of new life arriving. New members to their families. Allow us to celebrate this time with your family and to have these memories to hold onto forever. Let us celebrate this joy that is arriving. Our goal is to capture these sweet moments. To truly capture the essence of your family and to have these beautiful heirlooms to look back on for generations. 

So bring on those baby bumps! I want to see them! I want to capture them! We have over 25 maternity gowns to capture this most incredible time in your life. We want you to feel absolutely beautiful in your own skin. So if you are looking for the BEST maternity photographer in the Philadelphia area.. I am your girl.

I have been considered the top 25 maternity photographers in the Delaware Valley two years in a row (I wasn't even aware of this selection or reward). They reached out to me and said it was due to market research. Congratulations to this mama who brought into this world another beautiful baby girl! Contact us today and we'll be glad to get you started!! We'd love to capture this time in your life and include your family!  

Happy Shooting my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography

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It's been a busy year! Miracle on 13th Street Philadelphia Photo Shoot

It's been a busy year! Miracle on 13th Street Philadelphia Photo Shoot

Miracle on 13th Street Philadelphia Family Photo Shoot

Shooting Star Photography LLC had the honor of capturing a heartwarming family photo shoot on the iconic 13th Street in Philadelphia. The session was nothing short of a miracle as the family came together after years of living in different cities.

The neutral backdrop of the urban street provided the perfect canvas to showcase the genuine love and connection between the family members. Our experienced photographers skillfully captured the laughter, embraces, and joyful tears that filled the air during the session.

Despite the bustling city around them, the family was in their own world, soaking in the precious moments of togetherness. Each photo taken was a testament to the resilience and strength of their bond, a true miracle unfolding before our lenses.

As the sun set on 13th Street, we wrapped up the shoot knowing that we had witnessed something truly special. The Miracle on 13th Street Philadelphia Family Photo Shoot will forever hold a place in our hearts at Shooting Star Photography LLC.

Miracle on 13th Street Philadelphia Family Photo Shoot

Shooting Star Photography LLC had the honor of capturing a heartwarming family photo shoot on the iconic 13th Street in Philadelphia. The session was nothing short of a miracle as the family came together after years of living in different cities.

The neutral backdrop of the urban street provided the perfect canvas to showcase the genuine love and connection between the family members. Our experienced photographers skillfully captured the laughter, embraces, and joyful tears that filled the air during the session.

Despite the bustling city around them, the family was in their own world, soaking in the precious moments of togetherness. Each photo taken was a testament to the resilience and strength of their bond, a true miracle unfolding before our lenses.

As the sun set on 13th Street, we wrapped up the shoot knowing that we had witnessed something truly special. The Miracle on 13th Street Philadelphia Family Photo Shoot will forever hold a place in our hearts at Shooting Star Photography LLC.

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Family having fun in the middle of miracle on 13th street in Philadelphia.

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Collage of our photo shoot in Philadelphia.

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Little lady braving the cold in Anna Triant Couture in the city.

Wow! I can't believe it's been a few months since I even updated this blog here. It has been SUPER DUPER LOOPER BUSY.  That's why. We're having so much fun this year! Lots of great new locations, some new and old faces.. lots of neat themes, dresses the whole nine! We're now heading into our beach season.  Beach is one of my favorite things to capture and am fortunate to live by a beach that is 20 minutes from my own house!  We're also doing some mermaid sessions this year and have teamed up with a local photographer out of Lancaster, Pa.

Elliebelly Photographer. (CHECK HER OUT) She is plain amazing and am fortunate enough to call her one of my best buddies!! Another of my favorites from this session.. wearing an Anna Triant couture dress!!  As the season progresses, we head into doing more family-type more portraits.  I figured I would start off with this sweet little family that I was fortunate enough to photograph back in December.  

Yep, that's how far I am behind in getting sessions up on here!  I love capturing the essence and personality of families and all members! We usually have a great time! Although this one was tough. I believe it was under 20 degrees out, haha. You wouldn't really know it by the look of how they are posing, but trust me there were shivers galore going on here!We set off  to our journey... in City of Brotherly LOVE, in Philly and it was probably one of the COLDEST sessions to date.  This is an awesome street around Christmas season (generally, after Thanksgiving) as there are Christmas lights everywhere and I mean everywhere.

However, it was so cold we kind of made this a VERY VERY VERY quick session as our plan was to stay near sunset/dusk when they came on.  The kids shown here,  I have to say... were tremendous troopers as they were photographed without their jackets off.  My very own assistant got frost bite from this day and had to sit out of this session.  

Me... PFFFFT I laugh at the cold and hot temperatures. I love photography so much that I could do this every hour of every day!!! Excited for our upcoming Hippy Van/Ice Cream Shoot, Peonies , Mermaid and Beach sessions in South Jersey!  All have been sold out!  It's going to be an AWESOME Summer! Thanks again for stopping by and talk to you later!!!! Hopefully, it won't be another two months to get a blog up on here! PS. I'm more excited on my newest beach spot and will show on an upcoming blog... no more crazy shore traffic!

I get to enjoy a quiet country ride to the beach!!!       

Happy Shooting my friends!

Dee

Shooting Star Photography  

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Follow our journey around the Philadelphia Area.